It's a recycled warehouse, so plenty of room!
Everyone still good for tomorrow?
Full Version: New York Noir
Haha, yep, all good for me.
So that didn't work out... But Redjack having not confirmed, I had a good hunch it would fall through. Next week?
Sorry, got tied down. I meant to post in this morning and got side tracked at work. Next week should work though.
I totally forgot anyhow... next week works fine for me.
Still good for game tomorrow? Nobody is going to forget?
I'm good and all set. No forgetting will happen!
Yep. Still looking good.
30 minute count down. I'm still good.
Me too. Finishing up some stuff, will open the room soon
QUOTE
New York Intelligencer
A brutal crime rocked a community yesterday, as the Yun Foo Funeral Parlour was scene of horrible events. The owners of the parlour, a family well known in the predomonently Asian neighbourhood in Red Hook, Brooklyn, were savagely attacked by assailants using magical means. Aged Misses Yun Foo and her son recall meeting with a stranger before being attacked by a spirit. When Mr. Yun Yoo came in to help, he was also set upon by the being. The brutality of that attack was too much for the elderly man, who had a heart condition. According to police, he died at the scene of the crime. Further, the assailants then alledgedly stole a vehicule belonging to the parlour, only to return i to set it ablaze in a gian fireball.
While NYPD Inc. has revealed few details, witnesses claim an incident also occured at the Doc Wagon ™ facility nearby. Doc Wagon, who as an extraterritorial entity has jurisdiction over its own crime scenes, has not issued any statements, but police say they are cooperating with investigations.
NYPD Inc. has not issued any statements nor suspects, stating the investigation is still underway.
>>> That neighbourhood is crawling with gangs, and the violence they bring. It's no surprise a funeral parlour is a community staple in a place like that, with so many gang brothers and sisters dying. I hear the Ravaging Tigers, a gang led by a Wujen Shaman, have sworn vengeance against the perpetrators of this crime. The police probably don't have a clue anyway, but what information they have they are probably not releasing to avoid vigilante action, as much as they can. Still, with magic on their side, the smart money is on the Tigers tracking down whoever did this and making them pay.
>>> Lil' Mofo
A brutal crime rocked a community yesterday, as the Yun Foo Funeral Parlour was scene of horrible events. The owners of the parlour, a family well known in the predomonently Asian neighbourhood in Red Hook, Brooklyn, were savagely attacked by assailants using magical means. Aged Misses Yun Foo and her son recall meeting with a stranger before being attacked by a spirit. When Mr. Yun Yoo came in to help, he was also set upon by the being. The brutality of that attack was too much for the elderly man, who had a heart condition. According to police, he died at the scene of the crime. Further, the assailants then alledgedly stole a vehicule belonging to the parlour, only to return i to set it ablaze in a gian fireball.
While NYPD Inc. has revealed few details, witnesses claim an incident also occured at the Doc Wagon ™ facility nearby. Doc Wagon, who as an extraterritorial entity has jurisdiction over its own crime scenes, has not issued any statements, but police say they are cooperating with investigations.
NYPD Inc. has not issued any statements nor suspects, stating the investigation is still underway.
>>> That neighbourhood is crawling with gangs, and the violence they bring. It's no surprise a funeral parlour is a community staple in a place like that, with so many gang brothers and sisters dying. I hear the Ravaging Tigers, a gang led by a Wujen Shaman, have sworn vengeance against the perpetrators of this crime. The police probably don't have a clue anyway, but what information they have they are probably not releasing to avoid vigilante action, as much as they can. Still, with magic on their side, the smart money is on the Tigers tracking down whoever did this and making them pay.
>>> Lil' Mofo
QUOTE
Wall Street Journal
It emerged that a provisional report prepared for the UCAS' financial-market regulator into alleged insider share dealing at EADS had recommended fines for former and current executives at the aerospace company. Two of its biggest shareholders, Horizon, a Californian media group, and Germany’s Saeder-Krupp, were cleared of wrongdoing.
It emerged that a provisional report prepared for the UCAS' financial-market regulator into alleged insider share dealing at EADS had recommended fines for former and current executives at the aerospace company. Two of its biggest shareholders, Horizon, a Californian media group, and Germany’s Saeder-Krupp, were cleared of wrongdoing.
QUOTE
Village Voice
An East Village couple lost their battle in court against NYPD Inc today, as their case was dismissed. The Almahdi were suing the corporation for alledged wrongdoing in the handling of a case stemming from the arrest of the couple's son. Jamal Almahdi had died last year following injuries suffered during arrest. The Almahdis alledged the police had used unecessary and excessive force during the arrest of the teenarger. Police said the youth, who was arrested along with a group of Neo-Anarchists for failing to broadcast a Pass ID, resisted arrest.
The case has been dismissed by the tribunal as Mister and Misses Almahdi both lost their employment with Saeder-Krupp, and therefore ceased being citizens of Manhattan. Seader-Krupp released a brief statement stating both had been laid off due to internal restructuring, and not because of any ongoing litigation between them and NYPD Inc.
An East Village couple lost their battle in court against NYPD Inc today, as their case was dismissed. The Almahdi were suing the corporation for alledged wrongdoing in the handling of a case stemming from the arrest of the couple's son. Jamal Almahdi had died last year following injuries suffered during arrest. The Almahdis alledged the police had used unecessary and excessive force during the arrest of the teenarger. Police said the youth, who was arrested along with a group of Neo-Anarchists for failing to broadcast a Pass ID, resisted arrest.
The case has been dismissed by the tribunal as Mister and Misses Almahdi both lost their employment with Saeder-Krupp, and therefore ceased being citizens of Manhattan. Seader-Krupp released a brief statement stating both had been laid off due to internal restructuring, and not because of any ongoing litigation between them and NYPD Inc.
BAG O'LOOT
Here's what you've acquired from the gear you took from Sinn's place.
* Colt Cobra TZ-118 w/ 24 rounds(p.24 Arsenal)
* 1 Remington Roomsweaper w/ full clip
* 1 Ruger Superwarhawk w/ full clip
* 1 Knife
* 4 Rating 4 Stim PAtches
* 2 Rating 5 Stim Patches
* 3 Rating 4 Tranq Patches
* 11 BTL chips (mixed contents)
* 3 doses of Tempo
* 2 doses of Cram
* 1 dose of Nitro
Sean awoke the next morning early and in a sweat. He was on the tempo, fighting ghouls... and winning. His emotions were swirling as his consciousness transitioned from the dream world to the physical one, but at this moment as much as he wanted another hit of Tempo... and it scared him to death. Even from the recliner in the living room he could hear Jason snoring and was at least content that someone was in the office.
He sat a moment letting his thoughts clear. There is Tempo in the bag. He got up and walked over to the bag. He stood there staring at it for several long minutes. He then abruptly turned, grabbed his vest, coat, gun and out the door he went.
Opening the front door, the withdrew to grab his sunglasses. Early for me appears not to be early for the rest of the world.
He needed something to occupy his thoughts, keep his mind off the Tempo and the power he felt from it.
An hour later, several bus changes later and just after lunch he found himself at a bowling alley. He followed a group of students; Obviously from somewhere around the Indian peninsula. They spoke in a language he was not familiar with.. and that intrigued him. By dinner time, he'd picked up a little Hindi and had taken his mind off of the Tempo.
He sat a moment letting his thoughts clear. There is Tempo in the bag. He got up and walked over to the bag. He stood there staring at it for several long minutes. He then abruptly turned, grabbed his vest, coat, gun and out the door he went.
Opening the front door, the withdrew to grab his sunglasses. Early for me appears not to be early for the rest of the world.
He needed something to occupy his thoughts, keep his mind off the Tempo and the power he felt from it.
An hour later, several bus changes later and just after lunch he found himself at a bowling alley. He followed a group of students; Obviously from somewhere around the Indian peninsula. They spoke in a language he was not familiar with.. and that intrigued him. By dinner time, he'd picked up a little Hindi and had taken his mind off of the Tempo.
QUOTE (WAKE UP! Manhattan Neo-Anarchist community screamsheet)
WAKE UP! Do you think shortages of Fizzy Cola in Brooklyn this week are legitimate. Not even close. In an effort to control the non-alcoholic liquid refreshment market, several shipments of Fizzy Cola were simultaneously attacked and destroyed. Sources link the attack to QelCorp, makers Rejuvenate Jungle Water and subsidiary of Aztechnology.
+1 karma to Sean
Downtime is 9 days this time.
Since I trust you both keep accurate records of this, can you tell me how much Karma you have on hand right now, and how much cash?
And are we ok to play this Thursday?
Downtime is 9 days this time.
Since I trust you both keep accurate records of this, can you tell me how much Karma you have on hand right now, and how much cash?
And are we ok to play this Thursday?
This thursday i've got plans 
I'm lookin at 16 karma and 3405 nuyen.
I'm lookin at 16 karma and 3405 nuyen.
Oh I forgot, we've finished another month, so Lifestyle costs are due.
Ok, with this Thursday out, we're looking at the 3rd as the next game. I'm leaving on vacation for 2 weeks, so while I'll be home on the 13th, I leave Friday morning so I'm reserving Thursday for packing and last minute urgencies.
Ok, with this Thursday out, we're looking at the 3rd as the next game. I'm leaving on vacation for 2 weeks, so while I'll be home on the 13th, I leave Friday morning so I'm reserving Thursday for packing and last minute urgencies.
Whew... That's a few days. 30 of 'em to be exact. Alrighty. Say, you gonna be at GenCon?
Nope...
Jason's half of lifestyle is 3,300 
Backgammon - I sent you an IM with my updates and an email with my character sheet. Can you provide me some feedback on the contacts: additional details and current loyalty & connection rating? Some of them we've picked up along the way and I'm sketchy on the details.
-Thanks!
-Thanks!
Yep, I'll send you that stuff shortly.
One discussion I wanted to get the ball roliing on is the point you touched in your IM - the team's current situation vis-a-vis hacking.
As is abundantly apparant, an Investigative campaign requires a lot of hacking. As I see it, we have a couple of options:
1) Recruit a new player
2) Keep going the way we're going
3) Assign you a permannent, or more defined, team hacker NPC
4) Develop one of you into a hacker
Options 1 and 2 are not attractive at this point. I think it's between 3 and 4. Generally speaking, I would prefer if one of you did the hacking, because I don't like the idea of me doing the rolls and stuff, because then it just comes down to me giving you information or not. It's not a choice I want to have to make. So I would prefer option 4.
Now, the problem with that is that it forces you to expand lots of resources to pick up a new role, which is not "fair". Then again, it would suck even more if you just woke up with Cracking 4. So what I propose is that I meet you half way. You raise your skills, and in-game certain items that will make your life easier will find their way to you. I was already thinking of doing that, so I can do it in a credible and fun way.
Thoughts?
One discussion I wanted to get the ball roliing on is the point you touched in your IM - the team's current situation vis-a-vis hacking.
As is abundantly apparant, an Investigative campaign requires a lot of hacking. As I see it, we have a couple of options:
1) Recruit a new player
2) Keep going the way we're going
3) Assign you a permannent, or more defined, team hacker NPC
4) Develop one of you into a hacker
Options 1 and 2 are not attractive at this point. I think it's between 3 and 4. Generally speaking, I would prefer if one of you did the hacking, because I don't like the idea of me doing the rolls and stuff, because then it just comes down to me giving you information or not. It's not a choice I want to have to make. So I would prefer option 4.
Now, the problem with that is that it forces you to expand lots of resources to pick up a new role, which is not "fair". Then again, it would suck even more if you just woke up with Cracking 4. So what I propose is that I meet you half way. You raise your skills, and in-game certain items that will make your life easier will find their way to you. I was already thinking of doing that, so I can do it in a credible and fun way.
Thoughts?
As I suggested in my PM, I am willing to start investing in the hacking skills as an extension of moving into the B&E realm. The having to have a hacker just to open doors is getting old. So a couple of challenges will be (1) Sean's incompetence in Cyber-Combat and (2) a viable com (hardware/software) for hacking. I am ok with working my way up; That makes it more realistic.
Sometime during the day, you notice you have a message on your Commlink. Tapping the softly glowing enveloppe icon, you open it up to reveal a message from Levitsky. Hoi chummer. Now that we are doing business together, there are some precautions you must take. Please visit my friend Lenny "The Spook" in Brooklyn. He will set you up. Good prices for my friends, you will see..
With no cases save looking for a lost pet hamster in the pipeline, any excuse to leave the office is a good one. You grab your fedoras and long coats and head out. The address Levitsky gave you leads you to an abandonned garage. You've been in the business long enough not to doubt shady, abandonned looking buildings, though. It takes a walk around the building to find the small door, leading to a basement area. The cliché almost becomes too much to bear when you reach the little door, a sturdy iron thing with a slide panel at eye level. Just as you're wondering if you should knock three times, the door opens by itself.
You're greeted by a small man with a bald head and a beaked nose. He gives you a wry grin, his left eye twitching. "Levitsky told me you were coming. And if you're wondering, it's the only reason you're still alive." He widens his grin, and sweeps for you to come in.
Lenny "The Spook"'s shop is a veritable bric-a-bras of gizmos. The entire interior reflects with the dull metal gleam of unpainted metallic devices. Red and green and blue lights slowly blink on and off in the darkness of the room. You can acces several AR feeds left open in the air - most showing camera angles all around the garage, some quite far off. Judging by the ammo counter in some of the camera screens, you assume you're also looking at remote turret feeds.
Lenny's voice returns you from your distraction. "It takes a lot of effort to not exist, my friend. Did you know that you have dozen of readable RFID tags swimming in your stomach right now? The food you eat, the clothes you wear. Everything is tagged. Every step of when you walk down the sidewalk is monitored, recorded and archived. They know who you are, where you are, where you've been, and damn if they don't know where you're going to be. Now you want to stay discreet, my friend? I don't think so." He smiles widely. "Not without my help."
*****
Lenny "The Spook" specializes in selling useful gear to help anonymize yourselves. Referred by Levitsky, Lenny is offering deep discounts for his wares.
Avail and Retail price for indicative purposes only. Everything in the list is in stock, and for the value of the "Your Price".
You can add Lenny "The Spook" as a Contact - C2 L1. Also added a pin in the Google Map for his location
With no cases save looking for a lost pet hamster in the pipeline, any excuse to leave the office is a good one. You grab your fedoras and long coats and head out. The address Levitsky gave you leads you to an abandonned garage. You've been in the business long enough not to doubt shady, abandonned looking buildings, though. It takes a walk around the building to find the small door, leading to a basement area. The cliché almost becomes too much to bear when you reach the little door, a sturdy iron thing with a slide panel at eye level. Just as you're wondering if you should knock three times, the door opens by itself.
You're greeted by a small man with a bald head and a beaked nose. He gives you a wry grin, his left eye twitching. "Levitsky told me you were coming. And if you're wondering, it's the only reason you're still alive." He widens his grin, and sweeps for you to come in.
Lenny "The Spook"'s shop is a veritable bric-a-bras of gizmos. The entire interior reflects with the dull metal gleam of unpainted metallic devices. Red and green and blue lights slowly blink on and off in the darkness of the room. You can acces several AR feeds left open in the air - most showing camera angles all around the garage, some quite far off. Judging by the ammo counter in some of the camera screens, you assume you're also looking at remote turret feeds.
Lenny's voice returns you from your distraction. "It takes a lot of effort to not exist, my friend. Did you know that you have dozen of readable RFID tags swimming in your stomach right now? The food you eat, the clothes you wear. Everything is tagged. Every step of when you walk down the sidewalk is monitored, recorded and archived. They know who you are, where you are, where you've been, and damn if they don't know where you're going to be. Now you want to stay discreet, my friend? I don't think so." He smiles widely. "Not without my help."
*****
Lenny "The Spook" specializes in selling useful gear to help anonymize yourselves. Referred by Levitsky, Lenny is offering deep discounts for his wares.
CODE
Item Name Avail Retail Your Price
Tag Eraser 6F 150 100
Novatech Airwave w/ Iris Orb [all 3]
w/ Spoof Chip Analyze 3, Encrypt 3, Browse 3 8F 3200 2100
Fake License R5 (Vehicule Pass) 15F 500 500
Fake License R5 (Manhattan Pass) 15F 500 500
Fake SIN R4 12F 4000 3500
Fake SIN R4 12F 4000 3500
Fake SIN R5 15F 5000 4250
Jammer (Area) R3 9F 1500 1250
White Noise Generator R5 6 300 150
Latex Face Mask 8 500 300
Nanopaste Disguise (small) 12 500 300
Disposable Commlink [R1 Sig3 F1 Sys2] - 300 250
Fetch Module R3 [R2 Sys3] 9 6000 4000
Non Standard Wireless Link R3 6R 1500 750
Spoofed Lifestyle (Squatter) 16F 250 250
Anonymizing Proxy (2 reroutes) [per day] 4 20 20
Anonymized Calls (2 reroutes) [per day] 4 10 10
One-time commcode 4 10 10
Morphing License Plate 8F 1000 800
Spoof Chip 8F 500 250
Tag Eraser 6F 150 100
Novatech Airwave w/ Iris Orb [all 3]
w/ Spoof Chip Analyze 3, Encrypt 3, Browse 3 8F 3200 2100
Fake License R5 (Vehicule Pass) 15F 500 500
Fake License R5 (Manhattan Pass) 15F 500 500
Fake SIN R4 12F 4000 3500
Fake SIN R4 12F 4000 3500
Fake SIN R5 15F 5000 4250
Jammer (Area) R3 9F 1500 1250
White Noise Generator R5 6 300 150
Latex Face Mask 8 500 300
Nanopaste Disguise (small) 12 500 300
Disposable Commlink [R1 Sig3 F1 Sys2] - 300 250
Fetch Module R3 [R2 Sys3] 9 6000 4000
Non Standard Wireless Link R3 6R 1500 750
Spoofed Lifestyle (Squatter) 16F 250 250
Anonymizing Proxy (2 reroutes) [per day] 4 20 20
Anonymized Calls (2 reroutes) [per day] 4 10 10
One-time commcode 4 10 10
Morphing License Plate 8F 1000 800
Spoof Chip 8F 500 250
Avail and Retail price for indicative purposes only. Everything in the list is in stock, and for the value of the "Your Price".
You can add Lenny "The Spook" as a Contact - C2 L1. Also added a pin in the Google Map for his location
The thought of RFID tags swimming through his system like a tape worm cause Sean to shudder; The same guy who literally punched in the face of an insect spirit. He reflexively reaches for the tag eraser and asks, "What about an exploit toolkit?"
Lenny smiles and shrugs a little. "Not my department". He blinks his large eyes and wrinkles his beak nose, as a thought occurs to him. "Unless...", he begins, as he scurries into a corner of the bunker, shuffling and searching under piles of electronic gear. "About two months ago, a girl came to me. Careless lass had not listened to Lenny beforehand, and now found herself in great need of my services to disapear. A Hacker, she was. Pretty one, too" - he winks at you -"but Lenny can smell desperation. Milked her for all her worth I did, not that that was much. One of the things she traded in was her old commlink. It has... a bit of a personality. But I checked it and cleaned it. You won't be inheriting any of her old enemies - just her old software. I had written it off, but it's serviceable. Yours for 4500 my friend. I recommend the Spoof Chip and Non-Standard Link with it, though"
"Gabriel" [R4 Sig3 F3 Sys4]
Optimized (Exploit), Customized Interface, Virtual Personality
This custom commlink used to belong to a hacker, before she bit off more than she could chew and had to jettison it. The Custom Interface will give you some trouble while you get used to it (-1 Matrix Init, for a while), but that may be balanced off by the device's exceptional handling of the Exploit program (+1 to Exploit Rating) but it does come with it's own personality - literaly. The commlink is loaded with a Virtual Personality, representing a luminous being, presumably the author's version of the Archangle Gabriel.
Installed software:
Exploit 5 (Optimized 1, Mute, Ressource Allocation Error)
Spoof 3
Stealth 4
Gumshoe Suite
This program suite (Unwired, p.128) was designed by a now defunct company hoping to market to private investigation agencies. While the software had an innovative design, problems in the code gave it a bad reputation. The company went bankrupt before any patches could be applied.
[Track 5 (Optimized 2, Bug-Ridden), Sniffer 3, Decrypt 2 (Bug-Ridden)]
"Gabriel" [R4 Sig3 F3 Sys4]
Optimized (Exploit), Customized Interface, Virtual Personality
This custom commlink used to belong to a hacker, before she bit off more than she could chew and had to jettison it. The Custom Interface will give you some trouble while you get used to it (-1 Matrix Init, for a while), but that may be balanced off by the device's exceptional handling of the Exploit program (+1 to Exploit Rating) but it does come with it's own personality - literaly. The commlink is loaded with a Virtual Personality, representing a luminous being, presumably the author's version of the Archangle Gabriel.
Installed software:
Exploit 5 (Optimized 1, Mute, Ressource Allocation Error)
Spoof 3
Stealth 4
Gumshoe Suite
This program suite (Unwired, p.128) was designed by a now defunct company hoping to market to private investigation agencies. While the software had an innovative design, problems in the code gave it a bad reputation. The company went bankrupt before any patches could be applied.
[Track 5 (Optimized 2, Bug-Ridden), Sniffer 3, Decrypt 2 (Bug-Ridden)]
Ok, so back from sunny Mexico. I had planned to set up game as early as this Thursday, unfortunatly (or fortunatetly) I had some (lots) of time to think on the beach and decided I didn't like the direction the next game was going in. So that means I have to rewrite most of it. Which will cause delays. So that's it. No game this week, and I'll let you know when I'll be ready for next one.
Just let us know.
=====================
Sean looks the comlink over, as well as the spoof chip, the non-standard wireless link and the tag eraser. He then adds up the 5,600 price tag. "I seem to be a little short." He looks at the account balance: 4,795 . Way short.. and not to mention expenses for the next job. "Let's negotiate...."
=====================
Sean looks the comlink over, as well as the spoof chip, the non-standard wireless link and the tag eraser. He then adds up the 5,600
price tag. "I seem to be a little short." He looks at the account balance: 4,795 . Way short.. and not to mention expenses for the next job. "Let's negotiate...."
Ok ready. How is this Thursday looking?
I think I am good.
Lenny smiles a little at Sean and twinkles his nose, like a rat smelling cheese. "I think we can work something out. I can always use a good man on the outside. But Lenny's no fool, my friend. You do something for me, then you get the gear. But Lenny understands trust is a two way street." He pushes the Spoof Chip, Non-Standard wireless link and Tag Eraser towards you.
"I will contact you shortly about a little job I need done. Nothing immoral, mind you, of course. Levitsky informs me you are investigators... It'll be right up your alley my friends".
"I will contact you shortly about a little job I need done. Nothing immoral, mind you, of course. Levitsky informs me you are investigators... It'll be right up your alley my friends".
PMed Tarantula for confirmation
No go for tonight, but a Very Happy Birthday to Tarantula!
Busy beginning of the week for me, but Thursday is looking good.
I've actually got some stuff thats come up for thursday this week I should be good here on out though.
I should be good here on out though.
How's this week looking?
For thursday, not so good. Ugh. Life really gets in the way sometimes
Don't worry, we'll find our time 
10/1 might be good, but 10/8 will be bad.
10/1 is bad for me, but 10/8 would've been good... maybe 10/15?
Alright gentlemen, how are we looking this week?
This week is open for me.
Yea!! I'm good also!
Ok it's been a while but I believe the soonest everyone can make it is 8pm eastern, so so you then!
Righto, 8pm Eastern it is!
Hey what days to do play, I'm intrested in joining. Do you have a hacker/TM yet? I've been toying with the idea of a TM/Gunbunny.
I'm not recruiting at this point, thank you for the interest anyway.
After 2 years or whatever, Redjack just told me how to edit the thread title, so I did
But how will I find it now?! 
The New York Intelligencer sat down with Jason Almaeda, an influential member of the Neo-Anarchist movement based out of the Lower East Side (aka “The Pitt”).
Intelligencer: Mr Almaeda, can you tell our readers what the Neo-Anarchist movement is about?
Jason Almaeda: I’d love to. The Neo-Anarchist movement is actually a broad term that encompasses a lot of causes. We use the prefix “Neo” because the Anarchist ideology has a lot oh history behind it, but the cause we fight for now is different that the one our forefather fought for. It’s an old idea being applied in a very modern context. And that idea, fundamentally, hasn’t changed much. Neo-Anarchists strive for equality, justice and freedom.
I: How do you feel the world we live in lacks these things, especially in a place like New York?
JA: To anyone in the movement, anyone that has had his eyes open, it’s painfully obvious we live in a very unequal society. Particularly in New York - Manhattan to be specific. The so-called government has taken our city away from us. Why can’t I walk in certain neighbourhoods without sirens going off everywhere and police being dispatched to escort me away? Why must I travel at all time with my commlink on and broadcasting my Pass, so the authorities can know my every move? I have lived in New York my whole life, and I have never seen the Corporate Court building. Because I’m not allowed there. I have no “business” there. Isn’t it my city? What happened to my freedom, to go where I please? I have committed no crime, and intend to commit none. Yet I am supervised by some guardian, like a prisoner.
I: The advantages of living in such a safe city, versus these minor tradeoffs, can indeed be quite a debate. Can you tell me about the Lower East Side, or The Pitt as it is known?
JA: The Pitt is citizens reclaiming their city. Inside its borders, people are free to live their lives. There is no sensor net. No restricted areas. No fascist paramilitary police officer to bully and beat you. We trade and help each other out. We barter with money, yes, but also with favours and expertise. We are what this great city can be. Each citizen is responsible for himself and his community. Each person is his own leader. We are no children to be put to bed by overbearing parents. We are empowered individuals.
I: I understand there are few services. Running water, electricity, infrastructure maintenance, garbage disposal… People live in unsanitary conditions. Manhattan Development Consortium officials have often condemned the area as a potentially dangerous epidemic epicentre. Further, it is also more than rumour that The Pitt, however you make it sound, is a well known den of criminals. How do you respond to this?
JA: The MDC hates our community. In their perfectly controlled environment, we are the free agents, those that will not be told what to do. Their allegations are exaggerated or simply false. Through our community efforts, our homes remain clean, well maintained and well run. We are far better off that many of our brothers right outside the city gates, in desolate neighbourhoods in Queens, Brooklyn or The Bronx. What has the city done for them? As to being criminals, it is easy to be labelled as such by those of make up the laws.
I: Neo-Anarchists are widely portrayed as thugs with guns, ready to resort to acts of terrorism to have their way. There have, in fact, been many acts of vandalism, terrorism and violence linked to Neo-Anarchist affiliate groups, groups often operate out of The Pitt. What do you have to say about that?
JA: The MDC has resorted to propaganda, fear-mongering and smear campaigns to discredit our movement, and our ideals. We are branded as terrorists, the ultimate bogey-men, barbarians at the gate, ready to pounce out of the darkness and plunge the city back into the nightmare of the post-Quake horrors. These are all lies. We are the sons and daughters of the New Yorkers that remembered this great city as a place of freedom. The MDC is terrified that more join our cause and force them out of their tyranny. They are terrified that people hear our truths, and wake up from their slumber. We do not need the MDC. We are free men and women able to take our own decisions and take care of our own city.
I: The authorities have often talked about reclaiming The Pitt. Do you believe this may one day happen?
JA: The Pitt cannot be reclaimed. Freedom cannot be reclaimed. Ideology cannot be reclaimed. History has always shown that citizens will not suffer oppressiveness and tyranny for ever. But we are ready to defend ourselves should and willing to give our lives for freedom, as the forefathers of this great country once did.
I: You talked about your freedom being limited, of not being able to go wherever you want, but are you not also depriving citizens from your neighbourhood by barricading your borders?
JA: Not true! Our borders are open to any citizens. The Pitt is perfectly safe for any visitor, casual or otherwise, and one can purchase many items in our free markets. We welcome any visitor. And please do come, and see what a free city really is.
I: Mr Almaeda, thank you for your time.
JA: It is I that thanks you for listening.
>>>If Neo-Anarchists are a Shadowrunner’s best friend, The Pitt is a runner’s home away from home. Cops won’t chase you there and you can go about your business without the suffocating security apparatus of the MDC breathing down on you. And their markets do have many interesting items, if you know what I mean.
>>>> 2XL
>>>Why *hasn’t* the MDC obliterated The Pitt, anyway?
>>> Glitch
>>>There could be many reasons. It is darn practical to be able to point your finger at a boogey-man. You do need an enemy to justify all this security, though the Barbarians At The Gate that are the other Burroughs also do that well. Could be that with all the shadow activity going on in the city, a no-man’s land can come in useful. Maybe the MDC has some other reason to keep them around.
>>>> Snopes
>>>>Maybe you’re also giving the MDC too much credit. The Neo-As may publically be all talk, but these motherfraggers are armed to the teeth. We’re talking milspec weaponry. Where they get this kind of firepower from is another question, but if the MDC invaded, it would be a bloodbath, on both sides, that could quickly spiral out of control. The MDC would win in the end, but the PR damage would make it a pyrrhic victory.
>>>> Dr. Spin
>>>PR? Were talking about people that have Horizon on the board of members. They’ll spin it into a brave victory and the people of Manhattan will go back to sleep, no?
>>>> Kat o’Nine Tales
>>>>You have to keep your eye on the bigger picture. The MDC may be top-dog in New-York, but it has enemies to match. Both the UCAS government and elements with the United Nations would love nothing more than to destabilize the MDC. Too much violence and the UCAS could step in to “pacify” the situation, or whatever other excuse they’d care to give. Point is, there’s always a bigger picture.
>>>> Kay St. Irregular
Intelligencer: Mr Almaeda, can you tell our readers what the Neo-Anarchist movement is about?
Jason Almaeda: I’d love to. The Neo-Anarchist movement is actually a broad term that encompasses a lot of causes. We use the prefix “Neo” because the Anarchist ideology has a lot oh history behind it, but the cause we fight for now is different that the one our forefather fought for. It’s an old idea being applied in a very modern context. And that idea, fundamentally, hasn’t changed much. Neo-Anarchists strive for equality, justice and freedom.
I: How do you feel the world we live in lacks these things, especially in a place like New York?
JA: To anyone in the movement, anyone that has had his eyes open, it’s painfully obvious we live in a very unequal society. Particularly in New York - Manhattan to be specific. The so-called government has taken our city away from us. Why can’t I walk in certain neighbourhoods without sirens going off everywhere and police being dispatched to escort me away? Why must I travel at all time with my commlink on and broadcasting my Pass, so the authorities can know my every move? I have lived in New York my whole life, and I have never seen the Corporate Court building. Because I’m not allowed there. I have no “business” there. Isn’t it my city? What happened to my freedom, to go where I please? I have committed no crime, and intend to commit none. Yet I am supervised by some guardian, like a prisoner.
I: The advantages of living in such a safe city, versus these minor tradeoffs, can indeed be quite a debate. Can you tell me about the Lower East Side, or The Pitt as it is known?
JA: The Pitt is citizens reclaiming their city. Inside its borders, people are free to live their lives. There is no sensor net. No restricted areas. No fascist paramilitary police officer to bully and beat you. We trade and help each other out. We barter with money, yes, but also with favours and expertise. We are what this great city can be. Each citizen is responsible for himself and his community. Each person is his own leader. We are no children to be put to bed by overbearing parents. We are empowered individuals.
I: I understand there are few services. Running water, electricity, infrastructure maintenance, garbage disposal… People live in unsanitary conditions. Manhattan Development Consortium officials have often condemned the area as a potentially dangerous epidemic epicentre. Further, it is also more than rumour that The Pitt, however you make it sound, is a well known den of criminals. How do you respond to this?
JA: The MDC hates our community. In their perfectly controlled environment, we are the free agents, those that will not be told what to do. Their allegations are exaggerated or simply false. Through our community efforts, our homes remain clean, well maintained and well run. We are far better off that many of our brothers right outside the city gates, in desolate neighbourhoods in Queens, Brooklyn or The Bronx. What has the city done for them? As to being criminals, it is easy to be labelled as such by those of make up the laws.
I: Neo-Anarchists are widely portrayed as thugs with guns, ready to resort to acts of terrorism to have their way. There have, in fact, been many acts of vandalism, terrorism and violence linked to Neo-Anarchist affiliate groups, groups often operate out of The Pitt. What do you have to say about that?
JA: The MDC has resorted to propaganda, fear-mongering and smear campaigns to discredit our movement, and our ideals. We are branded as terrorists, the ultimate bogey-men, barbarians at the gate, ready to pounce out of the darkness and plunge the city back into the nightmare of the post-Quake horrors. These are all lies. We are the sons and daughters of the New Yorkers that remembered this great city as a place of freedom. The MDC is terrified that more join our cause and force them out of their tyranny. They are terrified that people hear our truths, and wake up from their slumber. We do not need the MDC. We are free men and women able to take our own decisions and take care of our own city.
I: The authorities have often talked about reclaiming The Pitt. Do you believe this may one day happen?
JA: The Pitt cannot be reclaimed. Freedom cannot be reclaimed. Ideology cannot be reclaimed. History has always shown that citizens will not suffer oppressiveness and tyranny for ever. But we are ready to defend ourselves should and willing to give our lives for freedom, as the forefathers of this great country once did.
I: You talked about your freedom being limited, of not being able to go wherever you want, but are you not also depriving citizens from your neighbourhood by barricading your borders?
JA: Not true! Our borders are open to any citizens. The Pitt is perfectly safe for any visitor, casual or otherwise, and one can purchase many items in our free markets. We welcome any visitor. And please do come, and see what a free city really is.
I: Mr Almaeda, thank you for your time.
JA: It is I that thanks you for listening.
>>>If Neo-Anarchists are a Shadowrunner’s best friend, The Pitt is a runner’s home away from home. Cops won’t chase you there and you can go about your business without the suffocating security apparatus of the MDC breathing down on you. And their markets do have many interesting items, if you know what I mean.
>>>> 2XL
>>>Why *hasn’t* the MDC obliterated The Pitt, anyway?
>>> Glitch
>>>There could be many reasons. It is darn practical to be able to point your finger at a boogey-man. You do need an enemy to justify all this security, though the Barbarians At The Gate that are the other Burroughs also do that well. Could be that with all the shadow activity going on in the city, a no-man’s land can come in useful. Maybe the MDC has some other reason to keep them around.
>>>> Snopes
>>>>Maybe you’re also giving the MDC too much credit. The Neo-As may publically be all talk, but these motherfraggers are armed to the teeth. We’re talking milspec weaponry. Where they get this kind of firepower from is another question, but if the MDC invaded, it would be a bloodbath, on both sides, that could quickly spiral out of control. The MDC would win in the end, but the PR damage would make it a pyrrhic victory.
>>>> Dr. Spin
>>>PR? Were talking about people that have Horizon on the board of members. They’ll spin it into a brave victory and the people of Manhattan will go back to sleep, no?
>>>> Kat o’Nine Tales
>>>>You have to keep your eye on the bigger picture. The MDC may be top-dog in New-York, but it has enemies to match. Both the UCAS government and elements with the United Nations would love nothing more than to destabilize the MDC. Too much violence and the UCAS could step in to “pacify” the situation, or whatever other excuse they’d care to give. Point is, there’s always a bigger picture.
>>>> Kay St. Irregular
Searching for the Spirit, Part #1
It had been a slow week and a half, not even a cat needing to be found. When the attractive woman entered the office I smelled work; I was kinda right.
She is Jason's talismonger, but not like we'd seen her before. She is cognitive, coherent and no longer disheveled. Whatever had come over her, it is for the better.
Her issue is simple: Her friend Jebadiah had gone missing. He is a curious one. An explorer and a free spirit. No, really. A free spirit, as in not meta-human. So much for simple.
His favored appearance is a older human male with a white beard. It also happens that he has a number of friends at the City Union Mission. At least this job is one we've got the connections to work.
The trip to the Mission started ok. Monica pointed us to Rita, but Rita is missing as well. She recommended Kenya (African-American Dwarf) as a friend of Rita's who might know how to locate Rita. Of course the simple run was getting more complicated by the minute, starting with the bad-ass cybered up abusive father/husband. When his sedan came to a sliding halt in front of the Mission, my focus changed; He stunk of trouble.
I followed him in, keeping my distance and changing my face. "Move Bitch. Get in the car." and so on. He was verbally abusive, but kept his hands to himself. Monica came out of the back like a hurricane. He turned his attention to her. Announcing myself as the 'doorman', I advised him to leave. Never that simple. The next several seconds were long. Back and forth. He swings and miss. I hit, but without any visible effect. Rinse and repeat and repeat and repeat.
Finally realizing he wasn't winning and I might, he backed off. I had no desire to beat him down in front of his kids. I did mention his two kids right? Anyway, he left. Of course, he quickly found out that Jason had driven his car around the block.
Then comes my weak spot. I know the mother and kids can't stay here. Nick Fotoculous will back. She identified him by name and association to the family. My call to Rocko goes to voicemail. Gotta find out how deep I'm in by crossing this guy or if Rocko can rein him in.
Next step was stash Calista and her kids at the office with a promise of no matrix activity, then back to Jason and Kenya. Kenya hooks us up with a skimmer who ships us onto the island. Yes, shipped us.
{ To be Continued }
It had been a slow week and a half, not even a cat needing to be found. When the attractive woman entered the office I smelled work; I was kinda right.
She is Jason's talismonger, but not like we'd seen her before. She is cognitive, coherent and no longer disheveled. Whatever had come over her, it is for the better.
Her issue is simple: Her friend Jebadiah had gone missing. He is a curious one. An explorer and a free spirit. No, really. A free spirit, as in not meta-human. So much for simple.
His favored appearance is a older human male with a white beard. It also happens that he has a number of friends at the City Union Mission. At least this job is one we've got the connections to work.
The trip to the Mission started ok. Monica pointed us to Rita, but Rita is missing as well. She recommended Kenya (African-American Dwarf) as a friend of Rita's who might know how to locate Rita. Of course the simple run was getting more complicated by the minute, starting with the bad-ass cybered up abusive father/husband. When his sedan came to a sliding halt in front of the Mission, my focus changed; He stunk of trouble.
I followed him in, keeping my distance and changing my face. "Move Bitch. Get in the car." and so on. He was verbally abusive, but kept his hands to himself. Monica came out of the back like a hurricane. He turned his attention to her. Announcing myself as the 'doorman', I advised him to leave. Never that simple. The next several seconds were long. Back and forth. He swings and miss. I hit, but without any visible effect. Rinse and repeat and repeat and repeat.
Finally realizing he wasn't winning and I might, he backed off. I had no desire to beat him down in front of his kids. I did mention his two kids right? Anyway, he left. Of course, he quickly found out that Jason had driven his car around the block.
Then comes my weak spot. I know the mother and kids can't stay here. Nick Fotoculous will back. She identified him by name and association to the family. My call to Rocko goes to voicemail. Gotta find out how deep I'm in by crossing this guy or if Rocko can rein him in.
Next step was stash Calista and her kids at the office with a promise of no matrix activity, then back to Jason and Kenya. Kenya hooks us up with a skimmer who ships us onto the island. Yes, shipped us.
{ To be Continued }
I'm open this week. You guys?
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